CVE-2019-5756 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-5756, a vulnerability in Google Chrome versions prior to 72.0.3626.81 allowing remote code execution via a specially crafted PDF file. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in Google Chrome versions prior to 72.0.3626.81 allowed remote code execution via a specially crafted PDF file.
Understanding CVE-2019-5756
A vulnerability in the way PDFium caches data in Google Chrome versions prior to 72.0.3626.81 enabled a remote attacker to execute unauthorized code within a secure environment by exploiting a specially crafted PDF file.
What is CVE-2019-5756?
Inappropriate memory management when caching in PDFium in Google Chrome prior to 72.0.3626.81 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted PDF file.
The Impact of CVE-2019-5756
- Vulnerability Type: Use after free
- Affected Product: Chrome
- Vendor: Google
- Vulnerable Versions: < 72.0.3626.81
Technical Details of CVE-2019-5756
A detailed look at the technical aspects of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Google Chrome allowed remote attackers to execute unauthorized code by exploiting a flaw in PDFium's data caching mechanism.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: Chrome
- Vendor: Google
- Vulnerable Versions: < 72.0.3626.81
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability could be exploited by a remote attacker through a specially crafted PDF file to execute unauthorized code within a secure environment.
Mitigation and Prevention
Ways to address and prevent the CVE-2019-5756 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Google Chrome to version 72.0.3626.81 or higher.
- Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions.
- Implement sandboxing mechanisms to contain potential exploits.
Patching and Updates
- Google released a patch in version 72.0.3626.81 to address this vulnerability.